Hiroshima is one of Japan’s most well known cities, for obvious reasons. Hiroshima does have a dark past but this city rose from the ashes to become a beautiful,  lively, and well respected city. Hiroshima City is an easy city to explore with most of the attractions being within walking distance from the Peace Memorial Park and Hiroshima Castle. Hiroshima deserves minimum one day of exploring if not two. After successfully visiting what Hiroshima has to offer there are so many day trips from Hiroshima that are worthwhile. Just a couple of hours or less, you can see towns and attractions like the Floating Torri Gate at Miyajima or take a…

Kobe, Japan pronounced Ko-Beh and not Ko-Bee, is a city in Japan on the outskirts of Osaka. When you think of Kobe, most people will think of the beautifully marbled Wagyu beef that comes from this region of Japan. Trust me, the Kobe beef was absolutely delicious but there are so many other things to do in Kobe that will keep any tourist occupied for days. Obviously, when in Kobe, try the world-renowned beef but also spend time at Ikuta Shrine, walk to the port and see the Earthquake Memorial and Be Kobe sign, stroll through Chinatown, check out the 19th century western homes, sample local brews, and make sure…

Yokohama is the second largest city in Japan right after Tokyo. Yokohama is very accessible from Tokyo and a quick 30-minute train ride from Haneda Airport. For such a large city, Yokohama is very walkable and easy to navigate. Chinatown is a must when visiting Yokohama, there are also many museums that are worthwhile to include the Cup Noodle, Ramen, and Japan Coast Guard Museums. We spent 3 days in Yokohama and barely scratched the surface. None the less, we explored a ton and here are some fun things to do in Yokohama.  Getting to Yokohama from Haneda Getting to Yokohama from Haneda Airport is a breeze. I recommend using…

One of Japan’s most picturesque temples, Nachisan Seiganto-ji is a temple complex with a gorgeous 3-storied Pagoda in the foreground of Nachi Falls. Nachi Falls is considered to be Japan’s tallest waterfall at 133 meters. Seiganto-ji is one out of 33 temples and places that make up the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, visitors can take the pilgrimage and walk to all the temples and sites along the route. If you don’t have days to hike and want to just see Nachisan Seiganto-ji, it makes for a great half day to full day trip.  Nachisan Seiganto-ji on a Map and…

Ise is not really on anyone’s radar when visiting the country of Japan. Ise is isolated and does take some effort and planning to get to. With all of the other beautiful towns throughout Japan, why should visitors go to Ise? Simple, Ise is home to the most sacred Shinto Shrines in all of Japan. The Ise Grand Shrine consists of two shrines Geku and Naiku. The shrines are separated and each surrounded by ancient forests with towering cypress trees. But the Ise Grand Shrine isn’t the only attraction in Ise that is worth exploring. Ise is home to a historic town with beautiful streets, the famed Wedded Rocks of…

Kyoto is one of Japan’s most beautiful cities. Kyoto is historical, cultural, and the most popular city to visit within Japan after Tokyo. But what makes Kyoto so popular amongst the tourists both within and beyond Japan? Is it the food? The nature? Or the temples and historical buildings such as Nijo Castle and Kyoto Imperial Palace. My guess is the latter. This cultural capital has many hidden and lesser known temples that are tucked away in neighborhoods, located in mountainous areas, or in places that are more difficult to get to. These 5 lesser known temples in Kyoto offer visitors a chance to escape the busy crowds at some…